How to Protect Your Child From Accident Injuries
Michael Babboni
Law
If you are a parent, you are well aware of the responsibilities that entails. As parents, we want to protect our children from harm and accident injuries.Today, we will go over a few ways you can do just that and tell you what you need to do if your child was injured in an accident that was of no fault of your own.
Auto Accident Protection
Did you know that children under the age of 12 should sit in the backseat at all times with the proper seatbelt restraints? They should not sit in the front seat. Additionally, if you have a baby under the age of 12 months and weighs less than 20 pounds, they should be in a rear-facing carseat secured with a restraint system in the backseat
When your child reaches 20 to 40 pounds, they can then ride in a forward-facing carseat in the backseat that has been secured with a restraint system. Booster seats are required for children between 5 and 8 years of age and when they are over 40 pounds.
Protection from Falls
Falls are another common injury children face. However, you can protect your children from most accidents with a few simple steps. Start by installing safety gates. These should be attached to the wall and located at the top and bottom of any stairwells you have in the home. All stairways and hallways should also be free of clutter.
Bathroom surfaces, including the tub, should be non-slip, and you should never leave your young child unsupervised while in the bathtub.
Avoid using baby walkers in the home, especially around stairs, as your child can accidentally fall. All windows should be secured, and the furniture should be moved away from the windows, so your child is not tempted to climb up.
When riding bikes, your child should be outfitted with the proper safety equipment, including a properly fitted helmet, knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist guards. The same applies when your child rides a scooter or a skateboard.
Water Protection
If you have a pool or another body of water near the home, make sure that your child is never left unattended. A pool fence should be installed that is at least four feet high. It should have a self-latching gate. Additionally, refrain from leaving any toys or pool toys out that may attract children. Everything should be put up and out of reach when you are done playing.
It is also recommended that you teach your child how to swim from a young age, including training them on emergency water survival techniques. When boating, make sure your child always wears a life jacket that is US Coast Guard approved.
Accidents Still Can Happen
Even when you follow all the safety tips and precautions and do everything to protect your children, accidents can still happen. If your child has been injured in an accident resulting from someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for the damages.
In this case, you will want to consult with an experienced personal injury attorney in St. Petersburg, Florida, who is familiar with these cases. They can guide you through the claims process and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf.
So, while you can take these precautions, they are never a guarantee that your child will always be safe from injuries. However, arming yourself with these tips and knowledge is a great place to start to ensure you continue to do everything you can for the safety of your children.